Last year Volchenkov was 3rd in shots behind Fayne and Larsson out of our D (with no pp time). Volchenkov is a solid defender and we would be stupid to just get rid of him.

Volchenkov has the longest and highest paid contract out of the D unit. He is significantly younger than Zidlickey, Tallinder, and Salvador. There is no way in hell the Devils trade him. Tallinder is the only one that is likely to get traded as he is 34 and doesn't have a No Trade Clause.

Its not that simple for who to trade. If Tallinder is so bad, and his age is a problem, and his contract is undesirable, why would other teams trade for him? Desirability kind of plays a role in this. If no one wants anything to do with Tallinder, and the Devils need to trade a defenseman, then they have to trade someone else. If Volchenkov is so desirable, he probably brings in the best return which helps the team be as competitive as possible. In the situation the Devils are in, its not as simple as "trade your worst/8th best defenseman."